The Wait is Over

Here’s why getting a hearing test sooner, rather than later, is one of the most important health decisions you can make.

By: Ken McEntee
Date: 10/20/2009
A lot of people, says Robert Pavlik Jr., owner of Brookway Hearing Center, are in denial about their hearing loss and can lower their quality of life for years while they postpone a screening—often as long as seven to 10 years.

“People sometimes wait years to do something about their hearing difficulty,” he laments. “It’s usually about appearance. They don’t want to be seen wearing a hearing aid. But many of today’s hearing aids are virtually invisible. Other people associate hearing loss with advanced age, which isn’t something that is easy for people to deal with.”

Not only does hearing impairment cause people to lose out on a lot of life’s joys, but
the longer they wait to have their hearing corrected, the longer it can take to make the transition to a hearing aid.

“The younger you are, the easier the transition,” he explains. “The 60-year-old is more likely to make an easy transition to a hearing aid than the 80-year-old.”

It’s a good idea to get a screening—at least to get a baseline—to see where you stand, Robert suggests.

“Sometimes people don’t realize they are losing some of their hearing,” he says. “A lot of people are worried that when they come in we’re going to pressure them into buying a hearing aid. That’s understandable, because a lot of hearing centers sell first and ask questions later. That isn’t our style. If you don’t need a hearing aid, we aren’t going to dispense one. Maybe your hearing loss is caused by wax buildup or some other correctable situation that doesn’t require a hearing aid. But if you do need to a hearing aid, we’ll give you the information you need so you can make the decision. And we encourage you to take your time because it is a big decision.”

Realizing the frustration that hearing loss already causes, Brookway intentionally spreads its appointments out to give each patient plenty of time for personalized care.

“In a lot of places you’re like a number, waiting to get in, then getting shuffled in and out,” Robert says. “We keep the wait to a minimum, then take plenty of time to do proper testing and adjustments of a hearing aid. It’s kind of like sitting down and talking with a neighbor.”

Unlike the putty-like amplifiers of a generation ago, many of today’s hearing aids are high-tech digital devices that can be specially programmed to meet not only the needs, but also the wants, of the wearer.

“Not only is everybody’s hearing ability different, but so is the way they want to hear,” Robert explains.  “While some wearers are concerned with hearing the TV, the big concern for others might be the ability to hear in a restaurant or another environment. Our job is to fit them with the hearing aid that best meets their individual needs.”

That means the most expensive hearing aid is not necessary the best hearing aid for a particular patient.
For many people with hearing loss, trying to listen to the TV without the distraction of background noise is a big problem. But with the help of a T-loop and a compatible hearing aid, you can get a direct feed of the TV signal directly into your ear, while others can listen to the TV at regular volume.

“I think this is really cool and nobody else in the area is offering it,” says an excited Robert while demonstrating the technology in his Strongsville office.

The system includes a converter that sends the television’s audio signal through a wire and into a T-loop that is embedded into a chair pad. While seated on the pad—within the loop’s magnetic field—with their hearing aid set to the T-Coil position, the hearing aid picks up the audio signal from the television.

“T-Loops are an old technology that are used a lot in Europe, and is now catching on in the United States for some reason,” Robert explains. “Using T-Loops, you can wire a whole room so that everybody inside the loop with a compatible hearing aid can pick up the signal.”

Brookway will offer a complimentary T-loop system—a $300 value—to everyone who purchases a compatible hearing aid during the weekend of November 10-12. Brookway is now taking appointments to come in for a complimentary, no-pressure hearing screening during that special promotion.

By carrying hearing aids from 12 different manufacturers, like Unitron, Microtech and Phonak, Brookway ensures that they have the perfect product for each person and for every budget.

The special promotion in November will feature Unitron hearing aids, because that is the product that offers more bang for your buck in terms of flexibility and technology, Robert suggests.

“I like all the manufacturers we carry, but Unitron is really excellent,” he says. “They have hearing aids that automatically adjust to different noise levels and environments, they are very discreet and they have a lot of power. But no matter what brand or model you buy, batteries and a lifetime warranty are included. Other hearing centers charge extra for that.

Brookway is a family business that Robert and his wife, Michelle, opened in Strongsville. When you call Brookway’s office, the other end of the line is likely to be occupied by Robert Pavlik, Sr. or Joyce Pavlik, Robert’s parents.
If you’re experiencing a gradual loss of hearing, chances are your family members will notice it before you do. That’s why it’s a good idea to bring them along when you have your hearing checked, Robert says.

Brookway Hearing Center, located at 12202 Pearl Road, in Strongsville, across the street from the Staples Plaza, is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening and Saturday hours are by appointment. You can visit the website at www.brookwayhearing.com for more information. To schedule a complimentary, no-pressure hearing screening at Brookway, you can call 440-572-9929. Brookway recently opened a second office, at 23550 Center Ridge Road, Suite 103, in Westlake.

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